Bedstead



'tartan YSrlrras PATENT Farce.

BEDsTeAD.

SPECIFICATION forming part Yof Letters Patent No. 256,666, dated April 18, 1.882,

- Application mea Mal-@n 6, ieee. (Model.)

To all whom tt may concern Be it known that I, FREDERIC G. FORD, of Roxborough, in the county of Philadelphia, and in the State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Bedsteads; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, making apart of this specilcation.

This invention relates to ,certain improvements in bed-bottoms; and it has for its objects to provide suitable means whereby the springs may be readily' and conveniently adjusted, and also to furnish a support for food and medicines, so thatthe same will be Withinready reach of the occupant ot the bed, and also to provide a stand upon which reading-matter or other articles may be placed, so as to be in full view of the occupant, as more fully hereinafter specified. These objects I attain by the means illustrated in the accompanying drawthe transverse slats F, which form the support for the mattress.

Between the longitudinal and transverse slats, and surrounding the screw-bolts, are located the springs G, the lower ends of which rest against thc longitudinal slats, the vupper ends being curved so as to embrace the bolts and be held in place thereby.

The screw-bolts at their lower. ends, which project through the longitudinal slats, are provided with thumb-nuts H, by means of which the springs may be adjusted so as to keep the bed level under all circumstances. The longitudinal slats, forming the lower section of the bedbottom, are bent downward at their 'readily taken apart.

ends, so as to furnish lugs which may be inserted into suitable sockets inthe inner side of the bedstead, in order to hold the said bedbottom 1n place. The bedstead on its inner side is also provided with sockets L2, to receive and hold the ends of the detachable longitudinal frames K. These frames may be constructed of sheet metal suitably cut, or ot'wire properly bent, and when in place furnish a support for a removable or detachable shelf, M, upon which food, medicines, reading-matter, or other articles may be placed within ready reach ofthe occupant of the bed.

The side frames,K, instead of being directlyattached to the bedstead, may be hinged to the transverse slats of the bottom, so that they may be turned up' for the reception of the shelf', or turned down and out-ot'. the way when such shelf is not in use.

The method of applying and using my invention will be readily 5understood from the above description without further explanation. When the side frames are attached to the bedbottom, they are preferably secured to pintles thereon, so that they can be readily removed or secured by a longitudinal movement, in order to provide for cleaning or for taking the bedstead apart for packing or transportation.

As constructed, it will be perceived that the bed-bottom may be readily taken down, and when put up the bottom may be conveniently adjusted as may be required. y

The parts, it will be noticed, are so constructed and arranged as to furnish no place of lodgement for insects, and are arranged in such manner that they may be cleaned without trouble.

The bedstead is also provided with longi= tudinal and transverse stays L M, which may be tted in the sockets before mentioned, which serve to strengthen the frame of the bedstead and hold the parts together, so as to keepv the bedstead firm, independent of the usual attachments, when the same may be loose from wear or otherwise.

By the construction shown and described it will be evident that the bedbottom may be The parts are secured without lacing or interlocking as is usual with the ordinary spring-beds.

The screwbolt may be provided with right IOS and left hand threads, and the aperture through which the boltextends muy be bushed with a tube or other suitable lining to relieve the parts of strain. The springs are intended 5 to be made with eyes at each extremity, so as encircle the bolt and be used without guide or other ordinary connections.

Having tlius described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent,

1. In a bed-bottom, the combination7 with the upper and lower sla-ts and the interposed springs, ot' the. screw bolts, provided with thumb-nuts, whereby the bed-bottom may be adjusted, substantially as and forthcpurposes 15 specified.

2. In combination with abcd-bottom, thelongitudinal frames adapted to be secured thereto or tothe bed-bottom, and the shelfadapted to set: upon said frames, substantially as and 2o for the purposes specified.

In testimony whereofI affix my signature, in presence ot' two witnesses, this 4th day ot' March, 1882.

FREDERIC G. FORD. Witnesses:

J. J. M cGAR-THY, EnWiN L. YEWELL. i 

